Local DJ Wayne Velthuizzz in the house
How did you start your career as a DJ?
Well it all started with my love and passion for music and wanting to make my own music. I actually started producing electronic dance music before I started DJ’ing… As far as DJ’ing goes, I felt the need to show off what I had been creating and the only way to do so would be to play in club and various events. I teamed up with a good friend of mine, Shomza, and since then we’ve been making a noise every weekend for love of our art.
Any tips and advice you would like to add about being a DJ?
Just keep pushing at it. At times it may feel like you’re getting nowhere but it takes time to build a career. Another thing is not to “hate on” or put down other DJ’s. There is enough hate in this industry already and in the end of the day we all have to co-exist with each other, so make it as pleasant as possible for everyone.
How to you get noticed as a great DJ in SA?
Be different. Although it’s tempting to play what’s on the radio, because that does work on a dance floor, I see it as an easy way out. Also try making your own music, not only will it help with your understanding of music and beat structures, it’s another way of being unique and bringing something to the table that nobody else can bring. One last thing…. make sure you have the basic DJ’ing skills down. Might seem a bit silly to mention, but so many DJ’s think it’s too easy to DJ and make mistakes to early in their career, then they get discouraged and give up.
Please tell as a bit more about yourself?
I matriculated in 2008, about a year or so after I started to teach myself how to produce. I did a Sound Technology Course at Boston College, graduating from that in 2010… I did a short DJ’ing course and I was ready to show the world what I’ve got…. Not long after that, I became a resident DJ at La Vida Nightclub, learning very quickly how to read a crowd and keep the people coming back for more. It has been just under year since then and I’m still at La Vida every Friday Night, doing what I do best.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
Music has always been a passion of mine and from a young age I used to show friends songs that I had found or heard and thought it would be natural for me to start creating music myself. That’s when I fell in love with music and since then it has been a long climb up the ladder to get where I am now. Every second’s worth it. Then I visited Holland in 2009, to see a close family member who is in the music industry over there and he taught me much of what I know now. I’d say watching him grow from the beginning was an inspiration to me too because he showed me that it is not impossible.
Who in the DJ’ing community “local or International” inspires you and why?
Right now, most of my inspiration comes from the internationals, such as, Chuckie, Nicky Romero, Deadmau5, Reece Low, Deorro, Skrillex, Datsik, Downlink and many many others. This is because they are showing us week in and week out what it means to be massive international DJs and it’s not all giltz and glam. But also hours of hard work in studio and promoting their names. I also draw inspiration from the DJs I play with on a weekly basis ie. Shomza, Crazy Tee, BasMan, Dwell (All the La Vida residents). These are the guys who have helped me grow to where I am today.
Photos and information provided to SHOWME DURBAN for publication, by Wayne Velthuizen
What do you have a passion for DJ’ing?
The thing I enjoy most about DJ’ing is seeing the crowd reaction after each song I drop. Hands in the air, shouting loudly and most of the time singing along. Makes waiting all week for the weekend way worth it and in the end of the day, it’s all about the people and them having a great time!
What’s your favourite music style and why?
I am a very diverse DJ, playing many different styles but I can narrow my favourites down to three genres:
Fidget/ Jackin’ House: My first love. This is what I grew up partying to and nothing makes me want to get down more than a dirty bassline with a clever beat!
Dirty Dutch: Amongst all the genres, I have always enjoyed Dirty Dutch because these crazy drops and deep basslines tend to never get old.
Dubstep: I know either love love love Dubstep or you hate hate hate it. I love love looooove it because of the unique way these producers have blended a whole spectrum of genres into one style of music, making it the music of the future.
For more information contact DJ Wayne Velthuizen on 0797334029 or drop him an email at
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